By Cheryl Saur of St. Charles, Missouri USA

There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.

Not too long ago, our daughter-in-law and three of her teenagers, a daughter and two sons, were picking up boxes from her mother’s garage. As they were attempting to leave, she discovered that her car battery had died. Our son, Joel, was on his way home from work so he stopped with his truck to give the car a jumpstart. But the car had been pulled into the garage for easier loading, so it needed to be pushed out of the garage first. So our granddaughter and two grandsons, who were both over 6 feet tall, were instructed to help push the car out of the garage.

Now, these teenagers were mature enough to honor this request, and they did so willingly. However, arguing and complaining ensued as to who was pushing the hardest, the fastest, and who was doing the better job. Of course, nothing was getting done…except for arguing and complaining. Joel, while trying not to laugh, was slowly shaking his head and rolling his eyes. He finally said, “Children, please! Less talking…more pushing!”

How often do we let our self-images or petty arguments get in the way of focusing on the path that God has called us to take. We begin to complain that someone else is not doing their job or that we could do it even better or faster. What do we accomplish by comparing our own journey to someone else’s journey? What is the purpose of proclaiming that your perspective is the proper one when it differs from your brother’s or sister’s? Neither one is right. Neither one is wrong. They are just different.

When our focus wavers or when we seek only what is comfortable, then our journey comes to a standstill. When this happens, remember to visualize a loving and compassionate God…who is always with us…smiling, giving a deep loving sigh, and saying, “Children, please! Less complaining…more discerning!” Onward!

Prayer Phrase

“…we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Weeding the Garden

Inner transformation can take place among daily leisure and work. Try cultivating the spiritual discipline of grace and acceptance while weeding the garden. As you pull each weed, offer a short prayer. Tug. (God remove from my heart all prejudice and fear.) Tug again. (God, keep me from judging others.) As you remove the weeds, continue praying. (Plant in my heart the seeds of your love.) If you don’t have a garden, try this transforming prayer while engaging in repetitive tasks or work today (cleaning out a closet, washing dishes, cleaning the floors, mowing the lawn).

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.